Have Loads of Long Distance Family Fun on 4 UK Road Trips

Follow Meandering Roads and Explore Sleepy Hamlets

The United Kingdom’s rich history combined with its relatively small size means road trippers get more marvels per kilometer here than almost anyplace else. Drive through the countryside, enjoying your pastoral surroundings, before entering into large towns with plenty of entertainment options.

Visit historic sites, delight in incredible eats and take in views that will be etched into your memory forever (although you shouldn’t let this stop you from taking plenty of photos). If it’s a family affair, give your kids an appreciation for their homeland, and keep them entertained with the various museums and kids-geared attractions.

While there’s something to be said for hitting the road without a particular destination in mind, if you’re looking to plan a road trip that ensures you get to experience the best locales, these best road trips in the UK should do the trick.

A Central-England Circle: Leicester to Donington Park

As the crow flies, Leicester lies a mere 28 kilometers from Donington Park. However, if you avoid expediency and take the long way by traveling up to Manchester and down to Nottingham, you’ll see some of the most charming sights Central England has to offer.

After leaving Leicester for Nottingham — where you can tour the City of Caves (the world’s largest collection of man-made grottoes) and the National Video Game Arcade (great for boys!) — don’t forget about the laser tag, kayaking and outdoor adventure zone at nearby Holme Pierrepont Country Park. Then jaunt past the quaint row houses of Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester.

The Capital of the North could serve as its own vacation destination, so leave it behind to scale the moors in High Peak Estate. To the east lies Peak District National Park with its gently rising, peat-covered ranges, as well as the caves at Castleton. There are plenty of beautiful sights to be seen and adventures to be had among the things to do in the Peak District.

A Lovely Loch Loop: Glasgow to Dundee

When people think of Scotland, they imagine beautifully barren moors, windswept lakes and ancient castles. This trip has all of those, but it takes a special kind of family to appreciate them, one that doesn’t mind relatively lengthy stretches on the road and that enjoys stunning sights first and foremost.

Starting at Glasgow, head northwest to The Trossachs National Park, the gateway to the highlands and home of Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Scotland. Nearby Crianlarich, which has great views of the mountain peak of Ben More, is a wonderful place for a walk.

From there it’s on to picturesque Oban perched on the Sound of Kerrera and the gorgeously rugged island of Mull, which served as the setting for the BBC children’s program “Balamory.”

Those willing to turn their highlands trip into a multi-day affair should strike out next for Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, stopping to enjoy Loch Linnhe, Loch Lochy and Loch Ness along the way. Adults should enjoy touring Inverness Castle, while kids will like Ship Space, an ever-changing museum dedicated to all things nautical.

From there, it’s on to Aberdeen with stops at Elgin and Fraserburgh for the travel weary. This 8,000-year-old city could serve as a destination unto itself, but for our purposes, a good night’s sleep followed by a stroll through the Winter Gardens at Duthie Park or a visit to the Satrosphere Science Centre should suffice.

Finish up by driving south to Dundee. If you’re looking for unique places to spend the night along the route, be sure to check out castle stays in Scotland — they make for some of the best experiences you can have, allowing you to sleep where royalty, or sometimes even ghosts, have tread.

Nina Ragusa is the intrepid soul behind Where in the World is Nina? www.whereintheworldisnina.com She’s wandering the world and telling people how they can do it too, without fluffing the details.
She has been on her globetrotting mission for years and is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. She gives REAL advice as she shares her explorations around the world.
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Cheddar Gorge features spelunking in local caves and other archaeology opportunities.Photo Credit: Getty Images

A West Country Tour: Bristol to Exeter

A mere two-and-a-half hours from London on the M4, the West Country boasts gorgeous views of rolling hills and the tossing sea. Bristol serves as the staging ground for this trip.

Consider its Zoo Gardens (the fifth oldest zoo in the world) and sample the exotic eats at St. Nicholas Market before setting off.

A 30-minute hop will take you to Cheddar Gorge for stunning views, spelunking in local caves, and archaeology-related educational opportunities. Detour west at Bridgwater to see the steam-powered West Somerset Railway or press on to Taunton for horse racing, a spot of grub, and a good night’s sleep in accommodations ranging from affordable to palatial.

Heading further south on the M5 will take you right through the Blackdown Hills, a stunning swath of green countryside filled with farms and ancient structures. Finish up in Exeter with the Devon Cliffs, a quayside stop, or a trek through its (thankfully unused!) medieval-era sewers.

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Check your airline's prices for additional and overweight baggage. It is sometimes cheaper to take an extra bag than pay overage fees if your luggage is too heavy.

- Sarah R., Canada

Don’t eat in tourist areas or places that have a waiter outside to bring people in. Eat where the locals eat.

- Zainab L., United Kingdom

Never bring new shoes! Bring two pairs of shoes to allow you to rotate and avoid any discomfort to your feet.

- Mona W., Belize

Do your research; learn about where you’re going from those who have been there. You’ll learn lots more along the way.

- Laura S., United States

When you land in Geneva make sure to pick up your free transport ticket in the luggage collection area, from the machine. It gives you 80 minutes worth of travel from arrival, until you get to your hotel or accommodation.

- SOS Travel, United Kingdom

Always bring a reusable water bottle for each person. There's nothing worse than being on a hike or walking through a new city and finding yourself without water. If you're in a city most restaurants will refill your bottle free of charge!

- Natasha, Canada

Don’t be too rushed when you are traveling, especially with kids. Taking it slow helps you to experience everything going on around you and cuts down on the stress that comes from rushing from place to place. Don’t worry about missing out. Live in the moment and soak it all in.

- Melanie, Thailand

Nothing ruins a vacation like being unable to charge your electronic devices. So make sure to carry a power-cord organizer with you! Cocoon Innovations’ GRID-IT! pouches can accommodate any sort of cord or charger, making them a convenient choice, and they’re remarkably slim.

- Loren, United States

When traveling, don’t forget to take the road less traveled once in awhile. Travel should get you outside your comfort zone so you can learn new things about yourself and who you truly are. Don’t be afraid to take some risks (within reason) and leave room for spontaneity.

- Liana, United States

My boyfriend Lee and I are big fans of overnight buses and trains because you can save the cost of accommodation and you won't waste one of your precious travel days getting somewhere. Just be sure to bring earplugs, an eye mask and a sarong to use as a blanket or pillow!

- Kelly, United Kingdom

Always check the seat pocket to be sure you don’t leave any important items on the plane. I once forgot my passport in the seat pocket, which I needed to get home. Thankfully, I was able to retrieve it. Lesson learned!